Line is often referred to as “the most basic element of design”. Yet this simple element functions in complex ways. Used effectively, line expresses a variety of verbal and visual concepts.
Vertical lines suggest strength and power.
Horizontal lines symbolize tranquility and rest.
Diagonal lines convey a feeling of action or direction
Vertical lines suggest strength and power.
Horizontal lines symbolize tranquility and rest.
Diagonal lines convey a feeling of action or direction
Charles Rennie Mackintosh (1903) Hill House Chair
The chair is named after the Hill House in Scotland, It was exclusively designed for the 'White Bedroom'. The Ladder Back chairs long, thinly weighted vertical lines suggests elegance and delicacy. The slender back legs are elliptical in shape with a series of short horizontal ladder rails linking them together creating a sense of strength. The head rests lattice pattern provides a bit of variation to the overall design.
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Josef Müller-Brockmann (1959) Zurich Tonhalle, June Festival Poster
Primary colours and 3 different line weights and directions creates a lot of dynamic movement. Diagonals create action and horizontals create stability.
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William Van Alen (1930) Chyrsler Building
This 319m tall New York icon steep, vertical lines suggests power, while the multiple horizontal lines suggest stability (a crucial component for a skyscraper). The visual variety is generated with the curved Art Deco spire.
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